RFID sports chip timekeeper: accurate timekeeping at races

Accuracy without compromise

RFID timing allows automatic, non-contact and highly accurate measurement of racers' passage through the start or finish. It works reliably even outdoors - all you need is a well-designed RFID gateway, suitable antennas and software that selects the right moment of passage from hundreds of readings.

How it works Hardware Installation & cables Software Tags Power FAQ

RFID časomíra na závodech – foto z průběhu závodu

How the RFID timer works

Each competitor has a UHF RFID tag (typically taped to their bib). As you pass through the finish/start zone, the tag is repeatedly read by the antennas. The system then determines the moment of the strongest signal and assigns it to a specific tag - resulting in an accurate time of passage.

The RFID gateway creates a reading field in the passage area
the tag is read many times per second (creating a "flood" of data)
the software selects the correct moment of passage from the data (the highest/most relevant signal in the antenna array)
the output is a unique time for a specific competitor/number

Important: for runs with larger spacing, typically fewer antennas are sufficient. For sprints, cycling, motorbikes or dense passes it is advisable to add antennas for higher accuracy.

ARU-2400

WRA-7070

Tag Blower

RFID tag with foam backing

Recommendations by plant type:
- Running (approx. 100 competitors, longer spacing) - usually 1 reader + 1-2 antennas is enough.
- Cyclists, motorbikes, sprints - 3 antennas are recommended for higher accuracy and zone coverage.

Mounting and cables

we recommend to mount the antennas on the run gate (or at least on a vertical pole)
if necessary we can supply brackets (for stable and repeatable mounting)
the antennas need an antenna cable (we offer)
an ethernet cable is needed to the PC/laptop (often you already have, we can supply)

This way you have collected data from the reader. The next step is to evaluate them correctly in the software and convert them into a results table.

Software: from raw data to results

The ARU 2400 reader runs the Tag Blower software application, which sends the moment the tag appeared and the moment it disappeared. This is crucial for a reliable pass evaluation. Without it, you have "just" raw RFID data.

But it's still only in the Kathrein software environment. If you want a table of the results (order, time, number), we supply a PC application that takes the data and rewrites it into an order.This runs on the laptop at start/finish and thus allows writing the received data to a file.

We provide the PC application free of charge
it is currently ready for the start/finish option at different locations
in this case you need 2 x complete set (start A + finish B)
if you want one place for start and finish (one set), the application can be modified

Tabulka s výsledky – ukázka exportu pořadí a časů

Tags for racers

The last important part is the RFID tags. For sports we recommend a variant with backing (foam backing) to work well on wet/sweaty gear and to hold on the start number.

You usually sort out the competitor numbers yourself - the tag is then stuck to the back of the bib.

Power supply in the field

The RFID reader needs power. In practice, there are two common options:

pull an extension cord (230 V).
use a UPS (back-up power supply) - recommended for greater reliability in the event of outages

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

For smaller runs with larger spacing (e.g. approx. 100 runners) 1-2 antennas are often sufficient. For fast runs and dense passes, we recommend more antennas (typically 3).

The RFID reader reads the tag many times per second. The Tag Blower uses this data to determine the verified moment of passage (highest/most relevant signal in the antenna array) to ensure the result is stable and accurate.

Not necessarily. By default our application is ready for start and finish at different locations (2 sets). If you want start and finish in one place (1 set), the app can be customized - typically in about 2 hours.

We recommend tags with a foam backing (backing). They stick better, work well on wet/sweaty surfaces and are suitable for sticking on the start number.

CODEWARE & KATHREIN partnership

CODEWARE is a partner and main distributor of KATHREIN. As a result, it can offer you the experience of both companies in different spheres of the industry - from sports RFID timers to logistics to industrial applications.

We not only sell but also service Kathrein equipment.

Do you want to design an RFID timing system exactly for your plant?

Send us the type of race, the number of participants, the width of the passage and whether the start and finish are in the same place. We will recommend the configuration (number of antennas, mounting, cabling) and prepare a turnkey solution.

Contact CODEWARE team